Equipment for Babies With Special Needs
Every baby is different and some come with special needs. While every parent prepares for a baby with equipment and gear, babies with challenges get special equipment. Fortunately, parents can find numerous local and online retailers offering products for children with disabilities, autism and developmental issues. Parents should consult pediatricians, occupational therapists and other developmental specialists about which items will work best for their babies.
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Car Seats
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Every baby needs protection in the car. Babies with physical disabilities can also need special positioning when they sit. Several companies have used the expertise of physicians and occupational therapists to develop numerous styles of car seats to give babies the support they need. Parents don't just make a simple purchase. They also work with their vendor's sales representatives and clinical specialists to customize the car seat to their baby. Parents should also consult their pediatricians during this process.
Swings
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Swings have the amazing ability to keep babies entertained and pacified. This is no different for special needs babies. However, standard indoor baby and child swings can be unsafe for physically impaired children. Disability specialists have considered the issue and designed a variety of swings which provide additional security, body support and non-standard body positioning so that special needs babies still have the comfort and joy of swinging.
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Strollers
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Choosing a stroller for any baby can be involved. With all the options and systems available, parents can have a difficult time making a choice. The same goes for strollers of special needs children. Some offer seating and positioning advantages. Most are extra-durable and more secure. Parents should work with an occupational therapist or disability specialist to choose the model that will best address their child's issue.
Gavage
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Premature and other developmentally disadvantaged babies can have trouble feeding at first. They don't yet have the sucking and swallowing reflexes required for breast or bottle feeding. Gavage feeding using a series of tubes and a feeding device is the only option for such babies. If parents are performing gavage at home, they usually receive their gavage equipment and instructions from the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital.
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References
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